The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
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TCU
Soccer falls 2-1 in home opener to TCU
08.21.2009 | Soccer
Aug. 21, 2009
AUSTIN, Texas -- The No. 15 University of Texas soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to TCU Friday night in the Horns' 2009 home opener. TCU's Jordan Calhoun netted both goals for the Horned Frogs, including the gamewinner in the 85 minute.
Calhoun got the Frogs on the board right off the bat, scoring in the fourth minute. The sophomore received the ball from Kaylie Garcia about fifteen yards out at the upper left corner of the box. Calhoun then fired it into the lower right corner past UT keeper Alexa Gaul to give TCU the 1-0 advantage.
The Longhorns didn't wait long to bounce back though, with freshman Leah Fortune connecting for her first career UT goal just under two minutes later. Gaul got the play started when she drop kicked the ball to the other end of the field which bounced off the head of a TCU defender. Fortune zipped past the defense and volleyed the ball into the upper left corner of the net for the equalizer.
From the start of the second half, TCU took control of the ball and never relinquished, outshooting the Horns 8-3 over the final 45 minutes. With the match on the verge of overtime, Calhoun struck again. TCU's Jackie Torda split the Longhorn backline and flicked the ball ahead to Calhoun, who kicked it over a diving Gaul for the gamewinner.
Fortune had one final good look for UT with just 1:10 remaining but TCU netminder Kelsey Walters was able to make the diving save.
Texas returns to the pitch on Friday, Aug. 28 to face Houston at 7 p.m. Central.
POST MATCH QUOTES
Sophomore midfielder Kylie Doniak
On the battle in the midfield: I feel the whole team contributed in controlling the midfield, we just fell short on the effort. Unfortunately, we were outplayed. We have a lot to work on this week, and hopefully we will come back stronger next week.
On the new defense and the midfield chemistry: I think we could have helped out a lot more with the defense tonight. We could have given more to support them. That being said, it is a new back four and I do think they did a great job working with brand new players, it's just a work in progress.
On Leah Fortune's goal: I think it was a team drive that triggered it. It was not okay with us that they scored first on our field, and I think the goal was our response. Leah did a tremendous job putting that ball away, we couldn't have hoped for anything better.
Freshman forward Leah Fortune
On her goal in the first half: A lot of the game is simply assessing the situation. On that run we caught the keeper off the line, and it became a great opportunity we took advantage of.
On her dominant foot work: My dad taught me everything I know about soccer, and since I was little he made sure I could use both feet dominantly. That's really what I attribute my handling to.
Head Coach Chris Petrucelli
On the game's result: TCU was the better team tonight. They outplayed us. In the second half they dominated when we appeared weakest. But we are trying hard to put a new backline together and build a new team chemistry overall, so it is just going to take some time to get us organized and confident again.
On Leah Fortune's goal: She is certainly dangerous. The quality of her finish was very good, that was a tough ball to get on. We have a weapon up there for sure.
